NJGirl32

Okay so I am in the same boat as you guys. Lapband forum has been my lifeline-but I need to branch out and do more research and be inspired! I bought the book Bandwagon by Jean McMillan (which I highly recommend all bandsters getting a copy). Well in the back of the book she lists some websites and I thought I'd share a few. I haven't checked them all out yet but you might get inspired to try something new or simply stay motivated or simply peek and see all the resources that are out there! theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com patient's blog with great recipes and food ideas *I read her blog and really felt like I CAN do this! I think she had gastric bypass but the recipes and tips are awesome. She made shopping for food sound like fun. meltingmama.net a WLS patient's often humorous and sometimes contentious blog, with product reviews and recipes (I will check out her site next) Outta room! I'll share more later!

Always glad to share! Eggfaces website is awesome with yummy recipes!! I love how she takes a pic of each step of the recipe. Meltingmommas website seems to basically give you an idea of what's out there. I might purchase a cookbook for banders once I get to that stage. I should really start a file of recipes. I was reading earlier about a banana on a grill (just open 1 peel, spread PN butter, SF choc sauce mini marshmellows seal up wrap in foil and put on grill for 5 minutes -top with whipped cream-wow what a mushie!!!). WEESIE- I am doing fine thank you! I am thinking of going to the boardwalk or at least somewhere outdoors but I am not sure, it might be way too crowded. How are you doing? How old are your kids? I think you said you have 6!! Wow! Are they all supportive of your WLS? I haven't told my 2 girls yet.

They said that you might gain weight because of the IV-not to worry!! Let the swelling go down and start getting regular BMs and you'll be all set to go!!

Amy that recipe sounds AMAZING!!! I am definitely going to try it! Did you invent it on your own or a recipe book?

Decided I was sick of sitting home and needed fresh air. Wentto a BBQ about 5 minutes from my house. They had lots of good food but I sipped on my water. I said I had a stomach virus. It wasn't as bad as I thought. Sure I wanted a steak skewer but the water had filled me up, plus I would not even dare think about it! I looked at the thin hostess and notcied she only nibble or a little of this and a little of that-that will be me someday!! I did stop and got an icy -I know we are allowed sugar free pops. This isn't sugar free but low calories and it's a banana/choc italian ice. The kind that come in little plastic cups (usually with woodedn forks). It tastes amazing! Had my protein shake first (4oz). I was proud the I survived the BBQ and my hubby had a good time.

The material I was given from the doctor's office said the pre-p diet was to help shrink the liver. If you were under a BMI of 40 you only needed to do the diet 1 week prior to surgery and the higher your BMI the longer you needed to be on it. I was really grateful to be on the 1 week liquid diet...don't get me wrong it was difficuly but it really prepared me for the post-op diet. It also let me know that protein does fill me up. The entire day of the surgery I had nothing to drink or eat-mythroat was really so sore I had trouble talking loudly. But the next day I could have jello, soup, tea....but I couldn't handle much,

Thanks! When I was looking at her she just ate a little bit of everything. SHe kept busy cooking and clearing things. She even drank beer that was 64 calories! She sat there wearing her bikini top and at the age of 45 she looked really good. I was thinking about what I would wear to a pool party next year! I'll eventually just have to say I am on a diet when they see me eating very little. Thanks again for all the support!!

I feel pretty good actually! After surgery I was really sore but the morphine drip helped! Today I went to a BBQ (no food) and it wasn't too bad. It must be the stomache swelling because I feel full with the fluids I drink-more in the chest kind of full. I hear that the first month may bring hunger pangs since the band isn't filled yet-but I plan on sticking to my diet as the doctor ordered. Get the book Bandwagon if you acn. It is a great book with all the answers you could possibly need. I wish I would have gotten it sooner! Good Luck to you!!!!

Thanks so much! I sat the entire time and lasted about 4 1/2 hours. I am confortablably resting on my recliner now-but feel fine. Glad you were able to get out alittle too! I did barely no walking so that probably made a difference I am still a work in progress when it comes to walking! Keep up the great work!!

I am not sure if the heating pads are good for incision sites (I think cold compresses might be better)-the heating pads is for gas pains. I am not a nurse so maybe one of the nurses on this site can give beter info-just be careful!

You really need to have 2 conversations-one with yr doctor and ask him what's going on with the fills? If you are properly filled you really can't handle excess food. Secondly, contact yr nutritionist and see what they have to say. 50 pounds is quite an achievement but now that you haven't been losing it's time to call in the professionals. If you are not happy with your doctor's answers then it may be time to ask around for recommendations for a new doc. Good luck!

LOL- I really feel your pain! I was banded the 25th. This will only be for a week-then you can at least have creamy soups-so hang in there!! The unflavored unjury is yucky in clear drinks, but if you add it to a carnation drink mix with skim milk and ice cubes and blend. I only add a half scoop of unjury to it to boost the protein content. I did get a banana flvored icy today (hey if we can have sugar free pops why not an icy?) it was SO good! Like I said it's only a week-then a little more options are available. Remember to were JUST banded and your stomach absolutely needs time to heal-no solids!! You can do this! Keep busy too-read a good book, take a walk, etc. Hang in there!!

Hello All my Band-Sisters abd Band-brothers!! I was banded on May 25th-sore alittle and walking slow-but no real gas pains! Tok my first shower today-felt good! Went to a BBQ but didn't eat anything-just sipped on my water which was fine. CAme home drank 4oz protein shakes. I stopped my Patmark and found Luigi's Italian Ice -I gotthe banana and choc favor and it is SO awesome. I am not sure if this is really allowed,but I know icey pops are so what's the big difference? Feels like a real treat!!!

Well today is my 3rd day since surgery and I am starting to feel a little better. Fortunately, I did not have issues with gas pains although I took a the Gas-x strip anyway. My main isssue has been soreness-but that's getting better too. Getting all my liguids in has been a real effort since I get that sensation that I need to stop. I haven't been real hungry-butthe bacon that my daughter is cooking right now does smell good! lol We have been invited to a friends BBQ-no one there knows about my surgery. The only person that knows at this point is my hubby, but I eventually tell my daughters (19 & 24). ANyway I have mixed feelings about the BBQ-part of me wants to get out of the house. The other part thinks it might be too soon after surgery. I won't be able to eat at all-we told them I have a stamach virus which isn't a complete lie since I have Gastretious (sp). I guess I'll take a shower and see how I feel.

Becca, I agree-don't focus on the loose skin focus on how fabulous you look and how wonderful it will be to see your hubby! Buy a sexy dress-yes sexy and a good push up bra-go all out!! Get a cute nightie the covers the right spots. This is a celebation!! If he loved you at 260 he's not going to care about loose skin!! I would suggest even getting a glamour photo done so he can have it when he goes back. Good luck girl-you've got this!!

It'snot available on KIndle but I sure wish it was!! I am feeling a little better each day-still sore. I can drink 4ozs at a time but anymore really gets me full. Today I am getting a shower-that should make me feel a lot better! How are you feeling?!

Include your preop diet-it's all a part of the banding process. Haven't gotten to the itching stage yet-looking for some responses to that.. My surgeon also said the first 6 weeks is all about healing and if you're not losing weight not to worry about it (he actually made me repeat that phrase 3 times!). I was banded on the 25t and I can't really eat/drink a lot at all-half a glass at a time. Good luck on your journey!!

I think the key is to get a schedule going. Have a rock pot meal for 2 days a wek-that's easy! Sunday night is a good time to put everything in the pot and ready to go for the morning. Also making a dish that will serve for 2 dinners. For me this means lasagna (again this can be prepared pretty much the night before. Left overs can be frozen. It's BBQ season and that makes for quicks easy meals with little mess. Men usually like taking over the grill so that might help. It's hard I know!! Don't be afraid to buy some prepackaged foods for some dinners too!

My hibby offered to get me some egg drop soup too! Haven't tried it yet but it's on my list.

Congrats!!!! One step closer!!

Don't go against the doctor's orders. It sounds like you are hungry because you are not getting enough protein. Protein fills you up. I agree try the Optipure - I dilute it with some crystal light (1/2 and 1/2) and it goes down fine. Make your jello with Unjury unflavored protein. You need the proetin in liquid form-your pouch is still healing and I wouldn't suggest pushing it too far with mushies when you are suppose to be on liquids. You CAN do this-it's not forever. I bought decaf Chia tea and I love it! Call your nutritionist and explain your concerns-also be honest about what you have been eating. Good luck to you!!

Welcome!! I's a good thing to be addicted to the research-it means your serious and wantto be well-educated! Congrats on deciding to take this big step!! I received a letter from my insurance company that congratulated me on decidingto have this done (they covered everything) but also letting me know they won't be covering cosmetic surgery. I think most insurance companies won't cover the tummy tucks or breasts.

Awesome news!!!

Hello!! Good to hear from you! I am sore but not too bad-I don't have a lot of the gas pains people talk about. I can'tget a loy down but that's from the swelling! Hope you are recovery well How do you feel?